78261 Gastric mucosa imaging
Also known as: Meckel scan, gastric mucosa imaging
Gastric mucosa imaging performed to detect ectopic gastric mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract.
In Plain Language
stomach lining scan; Meckel diverticulum test
Clinical Context
Detects Meckel diverticulum and ectopic gastric mucosa causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Common in pediatric patients with unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.67 |
| Total RVU | 0.67 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.67, this code ranks in the 42nd percentile among Radiology codes — 1.2x below the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 78261?
CPT 78261 (Gastric mucosa imaging) is a Radiology code. Gastric mucosa imaging performed to detect ectopic gastric mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract.
Who uses CPT code 78261?
CPT 78261 is used by Nuclear Medicine, Gastroenterology, Surgery. Detects Meckel diverticulum and ectopic gastric mucosa causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Common in pediatric patients with unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
When is CPT 78261 used?
Detects Meckel diverticulum and ectopic gastric mucosa causing gastrointestinal bleeding. Common in pediatric patients with unexplained gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.